SCF Spring Commencement Held May 8

(Bradenton, Fla., May 10, 2010) – State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Spring 2010 commencement exercises
were held May 8 in Neel Performing Arts Center at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. West.
Out of 693 students eligible for graduation, 288 participated in the ceremonies.

The guest speaker and recipient of the President’s Award of Distinction was Teri Hansen,
president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice. Under her leadership,
Gulf Coast Community Foundation was the first community foundation in the state to
surpass $100 million in grants and scholarships invested in the community, including
some funding allocated to SCF. SCF received funding for academic scholarships, SCF’s
first baccalaureate degree in nursing, and a grant to create a new online platform
for recent military veterans to access higher education. Hansen earned her bachelor’s
degree in journalism from San Diego State University and served as a public affairs
officer in the U.S. Air Force. She also completed the Harvard Business School’s Advanced
Management Program.

Biyun Huang, a Sarasota resident, was the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award
presented to a student who has shown superior leadership, academic achievement and
community service while attending SCF. Huang began her education at SCF in the English
for Academic Purposes program, preparing her for a successful and rewarding college
experience. She became an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and SCF Earth Club, participating
in beach cleanups and other community service projects. She plans to study environmental
engineering at the University of Central Florida and dedicate her career to conserving
natural resources and promoting sustainability.